KANU Secretary General Nick Salat has suffered a loss in his bid for the Bomet East Parliamentary seat.

Salat was trounced by Richard Yegon of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party in the polls conducted on Tuesday, August 9.

Yegon garnered 35,431 votes to clinch the seat with Salat coming in second with 13,425 votes. Kalya John Kipkoech, who was seeking the seat on a Chama Cha Mashinani (CCM) party, finished third with 987 votes.

The Azimio One Kenya coalition luminary had initially expressed interest in the Bomet senatorial seat before changing his mind to contest for the Bomet East seat.

“For years now we have never had good leaders in Bomet East and Kipsigis community at large to represent us nationally,” the vocal legislator said while announcing his MP bid in April.

“It’s time we wake up and have leaders who can fully pursue our interests nationally,” he added.

Ruto stumps authority in Rift Valley

Salat’s loss didn’t come as a surprise as the Ruto-led UDA party continues to dominate several races in the Tuesday polls.

The Deputy President stamped his authority as the undisputed Rift Valley political kingpin after perceived rebels critical of him were shown the door by the electorate.

By yesterday, votes tallied showed that candidates from UDA were ahead, with more than 70 per cent of the votes tallied.

The results indicated that MPs William Chepkut (Ainabkoi), Swarup Mishra (Kesses), Sila Tiren (Moiben), Vincent Tuwei (Mosop, aka Jembe Nne) and Alfred Keter of Nandi Hills, who vied as independents, were headed to political oblivion.

Currently, KANU chairman and Baringo Senator Gideon Moi is trailing William Cheptumo, who is likely to bag the seat.